A systems thinking activity on boundaries

Drawing Boundaries

Every time we are required to make decisions, design a program or a service, or evaluate a program, we draw boundaries. We determine what is in or out of scope, or relevance, based on our perspective, role, and histories. In this exercise, select a topic, different perspectives, and reflect on what they might think. You can even add yourself into the mix!

1 · Pick a topic

2 · Pick up to three perspectives

3 · Have a go yourself?

Yourself

Start

How it works

Drawing boundaries

1. Each perspective will have different interests, needs and priorities.
2. The scenario has 16 different chips reflecting topics. Move up to six inside the boundary.
3. Six is the limit, which means prioritising some things over others.
4. At the end you can compare what you identified for each perspective to see where there were overlaps or differences.

Back Next

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i

Done

out of scope

in scope

Boundary drawn

Next round

×

How it works

Drawing boundaries

1. You're drawing the boundary as would.
2. Drag what they'd count as relevant inside – up to six. Tap works too.
3. Changed your mind? Drag it back out.
4. Hit Done when the line feels right for them.

Got it

Side by side

Only some let these in

Everything made it into at least one boundary.

None of the boundaries had room for these.

Now sit with it

• What surprised you?
• Whose boundary was widest, and whose was tightest?
• Look at what was left out. What made it so easy to leave out?
• Who is affected by this decision but never got a say?

Download summary PNG Start again

An interactive tool by First Person Consulting · fpconsulting.com.au